City approves zoning ordinance for wind turbines

During the City Commission meeting held Monday July 1, the commissioners approved an amendment to the 2000 Dodge City zoning ordinance to add wind energy conversion systems as a conditional use in all zoning districts.

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By Julia KazarDodge City Daily Globe

Dodge City Daily Globe - Dodge City, KS

By Julia KazarDodge City Daily Globe

Posted Jul. 3, 2013 at 6:00 AM

By Julia KazarDodge City Daily Globe
Posted Jul. 3, 2013 at 6:00 AM

DODGE CITY

During the City Commission meeting held Monday July 1, the commissioners approved an amendment to the 2000 Dodge City zoning ordinance to add wind energy conversion systems as a conditional use in all zoning districts.

According to information from Jane Longmeyer, director of public information for the city, the Dodge City Planning Commission held a public hearing on April 16 and recommended permitting wind energy conversion systems on residential and commercial property.

Longmeyer went on to say that the ordinance provides the ability to regulate and govern the installation and operation of wind energy conversion systems within the city.

"Wind turbine towers will be permitted on residential and commercial property," Nannette Pogue, city clerk, said. "There will be regulations of course, how much land is needed to construct them, how far away the must be from buildings so they don't fall on them and so on."

Pogue said that there has been a lot of interest about people and businesses constructing individual turbines to harness wind power instead of using standard electricity.

In other business the commission:

• Approved an ordinance amending the official zoning map of Dodge City. Property located at 1209 E. Trail was changed from I-2 Heavy Industrial to I-1, light industrial.

• Heard an update from the YMCA about the progress they've made during the first six months of operation.

• Approved an airport hanger lease with Crotts Aircraft.

• Approved a contract with JAG Construction in the amount of $72,757 for concrete street reconstruction of Spruce Street from Westlawn Drive to Gardner Avenue.